Ancient Cycladic Marble Head of Cycladic Idol (ex - Sothebys) +/- 11cm - 4.5 in

Family gift from relatives who were art collectors in the 1950s and 1960s . \r
Old auction sticker from Sothebys London at the bottom of the base with auction number . \r
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In the sun-kissed Aegean Sea, nestled amidst the azure waves, lie the Cyclades islands, a cradle of ancient civilization and artistic innovation. Here, amidst the whispers of the winds and the lapping of the waves against rugged shores, blooms a treasure trove of artistic marvels known as Cycladic art. \r
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Imagine strolling through the hallowed halls of history, where each artifact tells a story etched in marble, a testament to the timeless beauty and ingenuity of the ancient Aegean peoples. Cycladic art beckons with its enigmatic allure, drawing you into a world where simplicity meets sophistication, where form transcends function, and where every curve and contour speaks volumes about the human spirit. \r
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At the heart of Cycladic art are the iconic marble figurines, guardians of an ancient aesthetic that transcends millennia. Crafted with exquisite precision, these minimalist masterpieces captivate the imagination with their serene visages and ethereal grace. Each figure, with its elongated form and abstract features, is a testament to the artist's reverence for the human form, distilled to its purest essence. \r
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As you trace your fingers along the smooth surface of these ancient sculptures, you can't help but marvel at the skill and artistry of the Cycladic artisans. With primitive tools and boundless creativity, they breathed life into inert stone, transforming it into objects of timeless beauty that transcend the confines of time and space. \r
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But Cycladic art is more than just marble statues; it is a window into the soul of a civilization steeped in myth and mystery. From intricately carved vessels adorned with symbolic motifs to intricate jewelry crafted with exquisite detail, every artifact speaks of a people deeply connected to the land and sea that sustained them. \r
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As you wander through the labyrinthine streets of Cycladic villages, you can't help but feel a sense of reverence for the ancient craftsmen who once called this place home. Their legacy lives on in the art they left behind, a testament to the enduring power of human creativity to transcend the bounds of mortality. \r
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But perhaps the true magic of Cycladic art lies not in its ancient origins or exquisite craftsmanship, but in its ability to inspire wonder and awe in those who behold it. For in these silent sentinels of a bygone era, we glimpse the universal truths that bind us all: the beauty of simplicity, the power of expression, and the eternal quest for meaning in a world fraught with uncertainty. \r
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So let us raise a toast to the timeless beauty of Cycladic art, a beacon of inspiration in an ever-changing world. May its beauty continue to captivate hearts and minds for generations to come, reminding us of the enduring legacy of those who came before us and the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.